Men Who Wear Bras: An Under-served Lingerie Market

November 12, 2014

By ELISABETH DALE

More and more men are struggling to find bras to support their developing breasts. Gynecomastia (male breast growth) is a well-documented medical condition linked to several causes, and is a side effect of many common prescription and over-the-counter drugs. According to some experts, nearly half of all men will experience gynecomastia at some point in their lives but will be too embarrassed to consult a physician about the problem. The only treatment options for men who grow breasts are (a) breast reduction surgery, or (b) wearing a bra.

Why should the intimate apparel industry pay attention to this non-traditional group of potential bra buyers?

First, their numbers are growing. While some choose surgery (over 20,000 annually, with male breast reduction surgeries up 13% since 2000), it’s not an option for everyone. Many can’t afford the cost or aren’t medically eligible. Their stories can be found on the very active gynecomastia forums, where information on bra wear is shared. There’s even a male blogger in Germany who posts helpful bra reviews. But men with breasts don’t always know where to buy a bra, or if they’ll be rejected by fitters or stores. Many find female friends or a compassionate spouse to help with basic bra issues.

Second, they have a real need. Men with breasts can’t hide their breasts under extra baggy t-shirts and jackets. They work in all industries, represent a wide range of ages, and measure from B to H cups. Many are looking for relief from constant back aches, in addition to reducing everyday bounce. Some males look for sports-like compression or classic minimizers, while others appreciate more fashionable bras. Their tastes are as varied as those of female bra buyers.

Third, men with breasts look for quality construction and exhibit solid brand loyalty. They approach bra fit and buying in a very matter-of-fact way. Those who write to me or comment on my blog posts appreciate well-made bras. They are familiar with brand names like Playtex, Wacoal, and Panache; and also Simone Perele, Empriente, and Prima Donna. Unlike some female bra buyers, they’re not splurging on a new bra because they’re dating someone new. (Quite the contrary, most men with breasts try to keep their bra wear hidden and often wear vests over shirts as extra camouflage.)

It’s not clear whether this new bra wearer is taken seriously by the intimate apparel industry. In my conversations with brands at a recent lingerie trade show, no one seemed very interested in talking about this niche market. Instead they laughed off the issue with a ‘we’ll take all customers’ attitude. This may represent a willingness to allow men to buy their bras. But there’s no real compassion for or focus on treating men as “normal” bra-buying customers.

How could this under-served group be helped? Bra brands could add a male bra fitter to their bra fitting team, if only on-line or as a phone resource. Brands might reach out to the female fitters who have fit men, and ask for their advice. Industry insiders could put together a focus group of guys who wear bras, in order to assess their needs. Bra retailers could train female employees or have policies about men who ask for bra fittings in their stores.

The bra industry could welcome this new group of bra wearers because of the very real medical reasons why men need to wear bras. As one 45-year-old male said: “it’s about time that the world is accepting that men also have boobs, and some need to wear a bra.”

What do you think? Should bra brands be doing more for the growing population of men who wear bras?

I think that bras designed for men is a second step. First it would be necessary to work on our social prejudice. When my husband developed breasts I introduced him to wear a bra. It did take quite some time to convince him. Although he found wearing a bra comfortable he did hesitate before he was ready to wear a bra when leaving home. Then we went to get him fitted. Now he is happy wearing a bra and has accepted his breasts. It will need a lot more men before the bra manufacturers will become aware of this new group of potential customers and react accordingly. I find it important what you do. To write about this issue and maybe more men will make themselves familiar with the idea of wearing a bra.

Thanks, Kerstin, for sharing your perspective and experience. I, too, hope that these articles can help change opinion and make men more comfortable with their own changing bodies. Your husband is lucky to have such a supportive partner!

Elisabeth, as you phrased it make men comfortable with their own changing bodies. It took my husband quite some time to accept that he got breasts. Then he tried a bra and felt relieved. But he still did not wear a bra in public. It was a process until he accepted his breasts and got a positive attitude towards them. Now this has changed. I think now he is almost proud of his breasts and no longer cares that he shows some projection. He is so much more relaxed. I hope that more men with breasts will follow this path.

I am a 40 year old married man who also wears a bra. I started developing breasts when I was 12 and my mother had me start wearing a bra when I was 13. She had me do this because I was having so much pain and the bra provided relief.

I am now 40 and I typically wear a 38E / F in most of my bras. I have a rather severe case of gynecomastia. I wear the same size bra as my well endowed sister. For myself, it’s a combination of genetic disposition and medications, and a thyroidectomy that has caused my breasts to grow to their current size. As you can imagine, going braless is not much of an option for me. I am very comfortable with going bra shopping with or without my wife and I always try before I buy. I prefer smaller boutiques to department stores. I usually have better luck with finding the larger cup sizes there and I like the one on one aspect of shopping there and knowing that I am buying a quality bra that will last me longer than a cheaper bra.

So let your husband know that there are other men who really do need to wear a bra. Half of the world wakes up every morning and puts on their bra for comfort and support to help get them through the day. We just happen to be amongst that half that happens to wear a bra and there is no shame in that.

Aboywithgirls, what a well choosen name. Thank you for your encouraging comment. I can imagine how difficult it must have been for you as a teen. How did others react when they noticed your bra? And with 38 F now you are really well endowed. My hubby wears 38 C at the moment. And it took him quite a wile to accept his breasts and some more until he was ready to try a bra. Although it was a relief for him, he did not wear one out of home. A few months ago he was ready and now he wears a bra all the time. I accompanied him when he got his first bra fitting in a small shop. The saleslady (and owner) was very nice with him and that helped. And of course the more he read about gyno the more he was at ease. He knows that he is not alone and there are other men like him. Reading the blog of braberliner also helped.
And you are so right. There is no shame in wearing a bra as a man. You need one and the bra does the same for you as for us women. It supports your breast.

Kerstin, thanks for your reply. Being a teenage boy going through a teenage girl’s puberty was kinda rough. Instead of growing muscles and body hair, I was growing hips and breasts. My mom did the best she could starting me out with my sisters hand me downs. My first bra was a 34B. I have been wearing a bra every day for most of my life. Because of the size of my breasts, I kinda have to wear a bra. I care for my breasts the same as most women do. The only time I go bra less is when I’m in the shower and even at that, if I just got done with a work out, I’ll wear it in the shower to wash it. The way I see it, women do the same thing every day (wear a bra for comfort and support). It’s not a big deal. And when women say they feel naked without a bra, trust me I know what they mean.

I’m a 55 year old married male with 38C breasts. I wear a bra only when working out. It is painful if I dont . It took me awhile to accept the fact that I needed support when running, jogging, or riding a bike. The stigma of wearing a garment meant for a female will take quite awhile for our society to accept.

Thanks, Elisabeth, for this dedicated article and for link to my blog too. I’ve a sophisticated view of this problem. Intimate industry is producing large series of bras for women in a wide range of bands and cups. The market is big, but there is a hard competition. Male sector is clearly a niche market and in the public view it’s not naturally that a man wears bra. Maybe there is an additional hurdle for men to went into an lingerie boutique to buy a bra for himself. But the hurdle is the same, if there are special bras for men able to buy. First step is to recognize the fact, that a bra can give support for male breast in the manner as for women. Bras are in different styles, shapes and sizes are available. There is no problem to find a matching one. At the other hand the retailers and manufacturer too should take men who wear bra seriously. But this is firstly a social issue. So I firstly essay to encourage my blog-reader to make a decission against a surgery. If I wear a bra, I make it to give my breasts support and abate health effects like neck, dorsal or shoulder pain. I this decision is made then look for a professional fitting and give your soul the satisfaction she needs. This is crucial for our mental balance, like for women too. If each second men with a gynecomastia would wear a bra, industry an retailers automatically would suit us as customers and lust for our feedback. Meanwhile I will try and buy bras that fitting me from the women’s department.

If each second man with a gynecomastia would wear and buy a bra the industry would become aware of the potential for additional sales. However, today a man can get a proper fitting once he has the courage to go into a shop and aks for it.

I have worn a bra most of my life. I developed breasts during puberty and I now wear a 38F in most bras. My breasts are large enough that I won’t leave the house without one. My wife understands and has no issue with me wearing one. It’s obvious that I have breasts and a bra does add projection and can make them stand out. But, having my “girls ” run wild doesn’t look good and doesn’t feel good.

In the past few years, it seems that the sales associates and the stores themselves are becoming more accepting and accommodating to men like myself who seriously need a bra.

I went for a fitting just this week. I usually get measured over my existing bra but this time the SA wanted to measure only myself. I took everything off from the waist up. She measured me and asked “how long have you had your implants”. She wasn’t being rude, she just couldn’t believe that a man was capable of having such large breasts. I took it as a compliment as she said that they were VERY nice. I ended up wearing a new Chantle 38DDD out of the boutique with the other SA’S at the store complimenting me as I paid for my new bra.

I believe that the industry is starting to come around and it’s largely in part to Elizabeth Dale ‘ s work she had done for men who wear bras. Thank you Elizabeth!

Thank you for an informative article about this rather delicate subject. I myself have been wearing a corselet with bra cups for over 15 years; I developed breasts after being prescribed blood pressure medication and gaining weight. Fortunately I was working in Germany at the time, and a fitter at a local medical supply store (Sanitaetshaus), was able to fit me with a made to measure corselet with shallow C cups. I required the corselet (Rumpfstuetzmieder) for a back problem I developed at the same time as the weight gain. A physician in Hannover prescribed the rather expensive made to measure corset (corselet – Rumpfstuetzmieder) which cost aprox. 700.00 Euro or $1000.00. I was/am fortunate that my health insurance pays for the devices and I am able to travel to Germany every two years on business and be fitted with new garments at the same time . If I did not have to wear a corselet, I would certainly wear a longline bra or a sports bra. — The company I deal with in Germany is Figesta Miederfabrik GmbH. http://www.figesta.de/ They also make made to measure bras.
PS: I failed to mention, that the first corset (Rumpfstuetzmieder) I was fitted with had no bra cups, and was very uncomfortable due to the pressure on my chest (boobs). The understanding fitter (Frau S.) resolved the situation, by taking certain measurements, and added cups to the garment.

Thank you Elisabeth, for this article. I am 45 and have a 36C/D breat, I wear a bra since 2 years now, every day. Without, I suffer pain. At first I had problems with my boobs, but after a while, you get used to them, also wearing a bra is difficult at first, you always think that other see it. But what the heck, it’s about time, that the world accepts, that a big part of the males have breats too. I still hide my bra, because it is still not possible to be seen in one without being seen as gay, tranny or what ever. I am a normal man, married, 2 children, thats it.
However, there are 2 blogs in Germany, the other is mine. I focus more on “not so fancy bras”, because I try to hide them.
URL is http://maennerbh.blogspot.de/

Hi have a look at the Glamorise 1166 sports bra it’s very good has 4 levels of adjustment on the front so pulls them in more so quite discrete can wear under T shirts without people noticing and ive found them very comfortable to and great for times when weathers warmer or need something discrete etc now weathers not so warm! i wear the Elomi EL8040 sports bra’s but very comfortable and supportive but do push them up/out but when out in the cold and under a coat now one see’s

I am a 40C (some bras a 38D) and as much as I try to go without a bra for a time, I just can’t, it hurts too much. It feels like icepicks in my upper chest (around the collarbone). Wearing a compression shirt was never enough, but a bra or sports bra was nearly instant relief.

I generally choose minimizers, but not everyday, some days I just can’t. Sports bras aren’t always so easy to hide under a shirt. A t-shirt bra generally hides much much better. As a 40C it isn’t like a baggy shirt can hide it anyway.

Some stores are good at helping, being understanding and making you feel relaxed and not like some freak, some are flat out hostile about a man needing to come in and try on a bra, or even talk about it.

I post my name as A boy with “girls”. My older sister started referring to my breasts as my “girls” after I had started wearing her hand me down bras when I was 13. I never took offense to this. The relief I got from wearing a bra far out weighed the any embarrassment of wearing a bra. The truth is at 13, I certainly realized that girls wear bras, not boys. Having breasts and having them . supported was more important to me. When I was hooked into my first bra and I filled the cups, it are sense to wear it. I continued wearing hand me.down bras till I was 18 and I started buying my own. It’s only been within the last 5 years that I have been professionally fitted for my bras. My first fitting was extremely awkward for me. The lady could tell.that I was nervous but it was her that made me.feel comfortable, she was the one that told me “don’t worry, they’re only breasts. We all have them. Some of us require a little support. Don’t be embarrassed. ” l walked in the boutique that day knowing that I needed a different size bra but I had no idea how different. I walked in wearing a 40B and left wearing a 38E. She was the one who told me I should really be wearing an underwire to get the support I need.

Today I wear a 38F and I no longer attempt to hide the ” girls ” with layers of loose, baggy tops. I have my favorite boutiques which I shop at. Most of the girls there know me and we have mutual respect. I respect the fact that the vast majority of their customers are female and they need to make them feel comfortable. They also respect my needs and bend over backwards to fulfill my needs as well. I have even had female customers offer advice on bras that they think I should try when they notice my obvious need for the garment.

Things are getting better for men who need to support their chest and in the past year, it has come 10 fold and that, I feel needs to be credited to Elizabeth Dale for bringing light to men with breasts. Thank you Elizabeth for all your hard work and making a difference for all of the men who wear bras.

Hi Lynne. Thanks for the info. Did you catch the brand name? The only bras made for men (that I’ve seen) are those in small cup sizes; marketed to men interested in wearing women’s bras but who don’t have breast tissue to support. Let me know. Thank you! e.

I recently came across a bra store in Toronto that welcomes men, including cross dressers, transexuals and others. I stopped in there this past week and had my first ever bra fitting and, after trying on a few, ordered one in my size. If it works out well, I plan on buying more and wearing them regularly. I’m smaller than some of the other guys here at 38B.

Over a year ago, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. In loosing my prostate I would have no testosterone and my estrogen could have some breast growth.

After second and third opinions I was operated on – radical robotic prostatectomy. The chief surgeon said I would be on the table 2-3 hours but it was 4.5 hours. He said I would be there for 1 or 2 nights. Afterward, he said it was the largest he had ever seen, and I was there 2 nights.

A couple of days later to the clinic for a checkup and remove catheter and drains, everything was fine. The next day, horrendous complications, emergency admission to the hospital and emergency CT scan that was inconclusive, then a contrast CT that found an enestimosis leaking in the 6 o’clock position, followed by several procedures, another catheter and more drains, and 10 days complete bed rest in the hospital in which I gained 11 pounds (and some more since).

My breasts have been growing. Over time not only have I come to accept it, I like it ! ! ! Them ! ! My twins ! !

As my weight has increased things have shifted around some. I’m 180 pounds, some of it, hopefully, Holiday weight, and I’m trying to loose.

I’m now wearing 36D and loving it ! !

I have worn corsets for years. Because of the surgery, my corsets just were not an option, but I have now recovered enough to resume, loose some weight and enhance my breasts ! ! !

Not knowing exactly where to start I will just jump into the fray. I have not paid a lot of attention to my “guests” but they have not ignored me, they have grown. I never really considered them but maybe they attracted my current level of attention about 7 months ago. I was at work and coming down the stairs at a brisk pace, as I usually do, and I noticed my chest was bouncing. I ignored it and went about my life. 5 months ago I really noticed them when bending over in the morning getting out of bed…I have boobs! I really looked at them and I have a lot of tissue just in back of the breasts but I have the “guests”. I looked on the internet for wisdom and found how to measure myself: 44 under bust, 44 – 45 overbust, and 47 – 48 bust. According to all the charts I am a 44 c, by my calculations. I have tried the loose shirt routine, which works well, but I still bounce. Also, I have numerous times where my nipples get so tender I cannot have anything touch them without pain and sometimes my “guests” itch under the skin. I finally broke down and bought some sport bras with medium to heavy support. Getting fitted is a terror for me but I probably need it. Thanks for the website. I had no idea so many men had/ have “guests”. Thanks!

You’re welcome. Remember that all brands have their own sizing standards — so you might wear another size in some other bra style. Maybe other readers can provide you with guidance on a first bra fitting. Best, e.

Elisabeth thanks for understanding right now showing some of my breasts you have any thoughts of average growth i am5’10’ 185lbs they do feel fembut totaly masculine do appreciate the look and like to be feminized but in secretfor now

i have had gynecomastia since my early 20’s my doc gave me 2 choices ,have a double mastectomy or start wearing a bra ,as my breast were very sore and sensitive ,i was a telephone lineman and the breast pain was real after climbing poles all day, so i tried one of my wife’s bras and it was to small so i went and tried by trial and error to get the correct fit now at age 69 with 46G breast a bra is a must and i wear one 24/7 with no fear ,just comfort

I grew up as “The Big Guy” in the household. Not overweight as much as barrel chested. I began to show off my growing boobs when I was twenty three years old and I did everything possible to hide them! I flattened them with spandex undershirts and an array of methods. I finally went to a doctor who specializes in breasts. She performed liposuction. My breasts grew back! In fact, my breasts grew back with a feminine shape, larger, with feminine nipples. my wife and I were astounded at just how feminine they were! I lost weight. my waist is twenty eight inches! My bust is forty four “D.” I prefer unlined bras and usually a sheer cup. The first time I went to a famous department store and while just looking, I was getting either smirks or jeers! Both having negative implications. Thirty plus years have gone by and I have discovered that modern women seem either more accepting or just “No Big Deal!” I recently was fitted by a professional who said she has never seen breasts on a male shaped as feminineas mine. My attitude has gone from wanting to hide my breasts to displaying them proudly. It was a bit difficult for my wife at first however, she supported me and frankly, it has been a huge turn on for her as well! I need not get graphic. All in All, I admit I have lost some friends over this however, I have gained women friends who do their best to treat me with respect. So bras are a part of my life now and granted I do feel different about my masculinity! Femininity is good though!

I apologize for writing again however, it made me feel really good, positive if you will having a professional woman as Elizabeth Dale, discuss this topic! It in fact is the future in so many ways! You see, I have talked to so many men who have decided to grow breasts on purpose because this was something they wanted and felt it was right for them! Now this has caused some problems in their relationships as well! Not all of the men but at least sixty percent! Thank You Elizabeth!

Hi Dan. Wearing a bra will have no impact whatsoever on the growth (or sagginess) of your breasts. Breast tissue and density do change, and gravity (along with aging skin) eventually pulls the skin downward.

thank you Elizabeth for explaining and covering a sensitive subject(no pun intended) for us males ,i hope the public will be more accepting of men with breast who need a bra and wear one also if you could get other sites to acknowledge they serve men it would help ,such as Haynes place,just my size,women within,Lane Bryant ,sears ,Penny and others .thank you again for all you do to help us

I would also say “thank you” to Elizabeth for raising this topic, having read many of the posted comments, I agree with many of comments. So Elizabetf hopefully you will continue with this topic for sometime in your excellent “Blog”

Thank you for this blog. I have been wearing a bra for over 30 years. At first i was buying them by trial. And error, about 10 years ago I summed up all of my courage. And went into a woman’s plus size store to be professionally fit. The sales lady was very hhelpful finding bras that fit me.

I can certainly relate. I have been wearing a bra every day since I was 14. It’s been well over 25 years now. I went a local boutique about 15 years ago and I have been comfortable since. I was measuring myself using the +5 method and I was WAY off. I was wearing a 42C when I walked in and wearing a 38D when I walked out. What a difference a proper fitting bra made. I’ve grown a bit since then and I now wear a 38G in most of my bras. I don’t feel embarrassed of them anymore . I put on my bra every day. I have come to realize that my breasts are as much a part of me as they are any woman. Once i decided on that, the rest was easy.If you accept your breasts, others will as well.

I have had gynecomastia since puberty. The only medical option at the time was surgery. My first real girlfriend in high school was fascinated by my boobs and suggested I try one of her bras on. She hooked it for me and then helped me adjust the cups. She wore a 34 D.
When I looked down at myself I couldn’t believe my eyes. She said I looked sexy that way and wanted me to wear one more often. Well, that was a long time ago but today I wear a bra every day. I am a 38 D now. The really amazing thing is that nearly all the women I have known intimately absolutely love my boobs and some have bought me bras as gifts. I accepted having feminine appearing breasts a long time ago–and realized that I would be wearing a bra to support them. The support feels wonderful and my lady absolutely agrees. I have a “bra drawer” in my dresser. She’ll even tell me when they’re on sale. I need a bra–period.

I am a male of 52 years.When I was about 30 years I felt tinkling in my nipples and slowly started growing my chest (breast) It continued for some time and taken a round shape like that of ladies. Initially I was ashamed to show it to any doctor or anybody but when started bouncing and giving pain I have consulted a doctor. Doctor advised me to wear bra and it will lessen the pain. So I started wearing bra since then. Ever since I am wearing bra continuously. My wife use to purchase bras for me initially but now I myself use to purchase. The lady in the store knows that I am wearing bra and she select comfortable size for me. Now I am using 42 D cup as the size of breast is so big and even bigger than my wife. I use to wear bra publicly also . Any one who see me can very well understand that I am wearing bra as the size of my breast is so big and nipples are protruding. I don’t feel any shame in wearing bra even some people stare at me. Ladies normally given an approving smile and some even commented that they are envious of my good looking breasts. This really elevated my spirit many times

Thomas, thank you for your story. It remains me of my own experience. Ater I turned 40 I realised that I began to develop breasts. Just a bit at the beginning. But after some time I could no longer ignore it. I was caught by surprise when one day my wife said: you should wear a bra. I was shocked. But I had to admit then that she was right. My nipples often hurt from rubbing. So she measured me and bought my first bra for me. I have to admit that it took some time to get accustomed to bra wearing. I was afraid that everybody would notice me. I was relieved that that was not the case. Most men did not seem to notice. I got a few second glances from women. But as time went by I understood that my boobs are part of me and now I am at ease. I no longer care if someone notices and wear my 38 C bras proudly. I mean a bra is designed to support breasts. And it does not make a difference it these breasts are female or male. But it did take some time to come to this conclusion.

I’ve been wearing a bra off-and-on for over a year now, my age and weight along with my job requirements made wearing a bra the best option to relieve the breast pain I was having. I drive trucks, which are nick-named “freightshakers” for good reason. They could also be called “tittyshakers” it seems. I do not have enlarged breast tissue, I am fat (BMI 35) and old enough (50+) to where my breasts began bouncing and nipples rubbing against my shirts while driving and unloading.

I began with inexpensive sports bras, off the shelf I barely fit in the largest sizes which is fortunate! I tried on a few makes and styles then bought a couple of the best-fitting multi-packs and laid one out to wear the next day. It took some time to adjust to the new thing, sometimes I could only stand to wear them for a few hours. After 3-4 weeks I got comfortable with wearing a bra all day on the job, the relief I got from them was encouraging. A few months into my experience I began wearing seamless “comfort bras” with satisfaction, they are far more comfortable and a better fit for me compared to sports bras. I keep my old sports bras around for yard work and other dirty jobs, they have saved me many a bloody tee shirt. I do not anticipate the need for a cupped support bra however I have tried them on; I don’t even fill an A-cup in my band size.

My wife doesn’t mind my wearing a bra even around the house on occasion. At first she was rightly concerned about the need; since it has been determined I had no medical causes and I wear it for comfort she’s not worried in the least.

Elisabeth, I really appreciate your advocacy for men wearing bras, here and elsewhere. My husband has breasts and wears a 38B bra. I got him a sports bra a few years ago when his boobs became noticeable and he was experiencing pain while working out. He was very reluctant to wear it at first but I got him to try it on a couple of runs and he was hooked, so to speak. He’s gotten very matter of fact about his sports bras and often wears them under tank tops where his bra is totally visible. He says the guys at the gym were mostly curious at first about his bra and then completely accepting. That really helped him accept his breasts and become proud of them. He now wears a bra daily and has even started wearing push-up bras under tight-fitting sweaters and button-downs, to show off his boobs. He’s gone for a couple of bra fittings at Nordstroms and the girls were totally helpful. It’s really a new day for men and I love it that my guy is able to wear a bra and feel comfortable–plus it’s totally hot!!

TraciT, your story sound familiar. Like your husband my hubby developed breasts shortly after becoming 40. A small change at the beginning but then after some time his breasts grew and could no longer be ignored. When I suggested to try a bra of course he refused. But he felt the bounce with every step his tits became sore. So one day he tried a bra. Although I accompanied him to the store and made an appointment before it took all his courage to go in. So he started wearing a bra at home. It took some time until he was ready to wear his bra in public. As time went by his attitude toward his own body changed. He was able to accept his breasts as part of his body. And he felt relieved when wearing a bra. A bra became part of his daily wardrobe. While his first bras were sports bras or simple ones now he decides for nice bras. He is no longer shy about his breasts and had several fittings. He was always treated professional and friendly by the sales ladies. No he mostly wears underwire bras with molded cups. I am happy that he has accepted his breasts and I can say he proudly wears his bras now. This summer he wore a bra every day although on his back the straps were visible. He no longer cares.

Kerstin, that’s so nice to hear. I really think that starting to wear a bra was a big step for my husband in accepting his ‘new’ breasts. He starting developing breasts in his late 30s, when he gained an extra 20 lbs or so, and when he lost the weight the breasts stayed. Accepting that he needed to wear a bra, and actually starting to wear one daily, was a big step in accepting his body. And I must admit that it’s really had an effect on our relationship and our sex life–I discovered that I really love him in a bra and panties and he’s progressed to wearing nightgowns in bed and some women’s outer clothing in public as well.
And for anyone reading this thread who is afraid to go for a fitting or to shop in the lingerie department, please call and ask for an appointment. The women could not be more helpful and gracious–and they really helped my husband on this journey.

TraciT, thank you for sharing your story. It helps a lot to see that I´m not the only one who recommended a bra for my husband. How did you convince your husband to try a bra? It took me some time. First he refused and we spent quite some time until he was ready for his first bra. A man who wears a bra breaks a taboo. As you write, accepting his breasts as part of his bofdy was a step. Like your husband we progressed and now he wears bra and girdle every day. It had an effect on our relationship no question. We enjoy it when we both wear bras and girdle at home. A while ago he tried a blouse instead of a shirt for the first time. It simply fits better. Let´s see where this journey leads.

Elizabeth thank for taking an active leadership role in writing this article about men and the use of bras. I am a man who developed breast later in life due to medications that were prescribed to me. Though I was fully aware of the possible side effects of taking these prescribed medications, including possible breast growth, I also knew the much greater risk of not taking them. Throughout the process I convinced myself they really weren’t breasts but rather I was developing extremely muscular pecks. My delema in regard to this is that I am very active and my breasts or well endowed pecks (40B) bounce a lot when I am active which I think most women would probably agree can be rather painful at times. This is especially prevalent when I jog or play tennis. There have been many times when I have wondered if wearing a bra would be the right choice but my inner inhibitions and insecurities about how it would affect my perception of my manhood have kept me from pusuing it.

I have tried wearing spanx and other compression shirts but they are so tight and hot and really just compress the issue rather then address it. My real hope is that people like you and much braver souls then myself will continue to bring this issue up to the forefront so that it becomes a common household subject. Thank you so much for your time.

Magleo, I can imagine how you feel. When my hubby developed breasts he made similiar experience like you. We talked about trying a bra. He refused. It took some time until he was ready to give it a try. It did not take long and he realized the benefits. It makes no difference if you are a woman or a man. If you have breasts they need support. And a bra helps. It has nothing to do with manhood. Why not give it a try and see how you feel?

I work as a nurse and there is a gentleman works there as a nurse also who has gynecomastia. The boss has spoke to him and told him he must begin wearing a bra at work due to his large breast for the same reason as the women do. I totally agree with her judgement on this issue as hit breast show through his shirt and flopping around looks awful. I would like to here everyone’s thoughts on this. I think there is really no difference breast are breast and it should be required by all. everyone feel free to give your thoughts?

alexis, I agree. There is no difference if breasts are female or male. Most women with large breasts wear bras. A bra supports the breasts and in several cases avoids pain. My hubby has the same problem as your collegue. He developed breasts. When I recommended to wear a bra he refused. But after some time he accepted and tried a bra. It took him some time to familiarize himself with a bra. But when he made the experience that he felt better his attitude changed. He was afraid how others would react. But so far he got no negative reactions. Now he wears a bra every day.
When his breasts developed he did not want to accept them. I think it is a big step for a man to really accept his breasts as part of his body. After he made this step it became easier for him to wear a bra. Now he no longer thinks about it. Encourage your collegue to try a bra. Maybe help him to buy one. It is not easy for a man to go into a shop and ask for a bra. And a professional fitting is necessary to get a bra that really fits.

I am a man with severe gynecomastia ( meaning female like breasts on a man ). I have been wearing a bra for almost 30 years now. I started developing breasts during puberty. I wear a 36G so going bra less is not much of an option for me. Having breasts or wearing a bra is not the worst thing in the world. Women have been doing it for decades now. I really don’t mind having breasts. I also don’t mind wearing a bra. The real challenge comes with finding a bra that fits. Kerstin is absolutely correct that a professional fitting is a must. I have been for fittings where I will try on 30-40 bras before I find the one that I am wearing home. Being the size I am, I have to shop at specialty boutique that fit women (and some men) with larger breasts. I have found that it’s better this way. In the smaller boutiques, you can get to personalized, one on one attention that you need. It’s also not just about size when you are looking for a bra that fits. It’s just as much about the shape and not just the shape of your breasts, also, the shape you want when you’re wearing your bra.

So ladies, I really do get it! And I do empathize with you. I know what it’s like to wear your bra for 16+ hours that you spent $85 + dollars on. So I know what it’s like.

I have a question, how many you guys don’t try to hide wearing a bra and was there any negative or positive remarks? I’ve always try to hide that I wear a bra, I would wear sweaters or jackets. Now days I’m starting not to care who see’s my bra, except at work. First I started wearing a regular t-shirt, now once in awhile I will wear a tank top. I’m pretty sure people can see the side of my bra, and on occasions my straps are clearly exposed. So far nobody said any thing to me yet, I had a couple smile from women. What was your guys experience?

hello, first off great article, I am 29, and I have breasts, I have had them since I was a teen and have felt very conscience of them tried hiding them with muscle shirts, kind of didn’t help, so here I was a few months ago about the beginning of August and ran into information regarding men with breasts wearing bras, so I researched it and found out that there are a lot of men wearing bras, so I decided what the heck and gave it a try, so I had gone into a Lane Bryant store and hesitantly asked for a bra fitting. and the ladies were more than happy to give me one, I did not walk out with a bra but I did walk out with a size, (40) I had asked about the cup size and they said I could be whatever size I wanted, I was thinking at that moment ok?!, that same day I had ordered some bras from woman within, had to wait for them so I went to Walmart and found a couple which I still wear, YES I WEAR BRAS AND I AM PROUD OF IT. I also don’t care who sees it

Hi bryan, I have an update
Scene the time I last posted, I would walk into a store/ gas station, while wearing my bra w/ a tank top on. If not to busy, and it’s a women cashier. I would ask them what there opinion on seeing a guy with a bra. Majority area really cool about it, and some even thought it was awesome and liked it. Some had some really good conversations about it.
The reason I would ask them, cause I wanted a real would view from otherpeople. It was more of a self comfort thing.
BTW I’m not much older, 33

I am 63 male and I have male moobs I did not mind to much as first but now they are getting bigger and filling out and starting to wobble and getting to get heavy and noticeable, a close female friend said are you alright ? I said yes I am fine, she went on to say why are growing breasts,I told her I was not as I think its called Gynecomastia and its a medical condition, She was silent for a while and said if there is any thing she could do to help ? I told her that there where getting a nuisance by getting bigger and bouncing around when I move around, She then said now you now know what women go though and went on to say have to tried wearing a bra ??? I just looked at her and said WHAT, before I could say any thing more OK then try a sports bra I a large size. I just looked at her she went on to say well I will get you one and see how you get on with it. I just looked at her and said WHAT me wear a bra NO BLOODY WAY I am not a woman.
A week or so later she called around and she said she had some thing for me to try on it was a sports bra size XXXX after a very long chat she talked me into trying it on, It felt very strange wearing a bra
and after a while I noticed my moods not wobbling around and also could feel some relief as they did not seem to be to so heavy. she said how do you feel wearing a bra, I told her it was a bit uncomfortable as it was a bit tight, She went on a bit and said I need to wear it or you will be bouncing around under your shirt and you may start to get back pains as well and you need some sort of support to stop that for happing. She also went no to say there seems that there are no bras for men thats she could find so she got the sports bra for me to try.
I also done some checking on the net and it seems I am not alone and there seems to be a missing market or is the market to small for any bra makers to make a male sports bras.

I have gynocomastia to i wear a bra every day to support my breasts I’m 42b and have saggy boobs i use pushup bras the lift up my boobs to rid with the pain in my chest I’m getting more to go out in public with a bra on but just at nights now with a large shirt on my boobs project a lot too thou it gets easier every day to wear a bra in public but I’m not ashamed of wearing a bra i look sexy wearing my bras

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Lingerie Briefs is multi-faceted Lingerie and Fashion Blog for consumers and industry insiders written by Ellen Lewis and other experts from the Intimate Apparel world. Ellen created Lingerie Briefs as her virtual Lingerie boutique.”The merchandise that I feature are all products I have personally reviewed and which I would be proud to carry in my own shop. It’s an artistic and literary destination providing insight to both the Lingerie Industry and Lingerie Consumer.” …Ellen Lewis